§ 45. Mr. Bidwellasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will recommend the exercise of the Royal Prerogative in the case of Mrs. Lystra Downs.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesI understand that, because of a conviction in this country in 1968, Mrs. Downs is ineligible for United States immigrant status and is, therefore, unable to join her husband there. Although under the criteria normally applied she would not be eligible for the grant of a free pardon, I should be prepared to recommend this in her case if she could show that her application would then be acceptable to the United States authorities. Experience suggests, however, that those authorities do not feel able under United States law to recognise a free pardon granted in such circumstances.